Missing Johann Sebastian Bach Pieces Played for First Time in Over Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
Bach is considered to have composed the two organ pieces at the start of his musical journey

Previously unknown musical pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach have been unveiled and played in the central European country for the first time in three hundred twenty years.

The nation's Minister of Culture the government representative described the unearthing of the two compositions a "significant occasion for the world of music".

They originally drew interest of a Bach researcher in the early nineties when he was organizing the composer's papers at the Royal Library of Belgium.

The organ pieces - the Chaconne in D minor and Chaconne in G minor - were dating unknown and unsigned. Mr Wollny spent the subsequent thirty years working to verify the origin of the pieces.

Memorable Concert

They were performed at the St Thomas Church in the German city, where Bach is interred and where he worked as a cantor for over two decades.

The pair of works were executed by Dutch organist the renowned organist, who said he was privileged to be able to perform them for the first time in over three centuries.

He said the pieces were "remarkably sophisticated" and would be "a valuable resource for contemporary organ players, as they are also well-suited for more compact instruments".

Historical Significance

They are considered to have been created early in Bach's career, when he was serving as an organ instructor in the community of the German town in the German region.

The researcher, who is now the leader of the Bach Archive in the municipality, said they demonstrated several features unique to the artist.

"Musically, the works also feature characteristics that can be identified in Bach's works from that time, but not in those of other musicians," he said.

They are thought to have been recorded in 1705 by one of Bach's pupils, Salomon Günther John.

At a unveiling of the pieces, the researcher said he was "virtually certain that Bach had composed the two pieces" and they have now been included into the official catalogue of his musical output.

Connected Subjects:
  • European Culture
  • German Culture
  • Classical music
  • Performance Arts
Morgan Robbins
Morgan Robbins

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in curating premium online resources and tools.